Trial Two~Bonds380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bOMpEpCwV
The sun was high in the summer sky and everyone was gathered in the Western Passages at the base of Mount Solaris. The flame temple could be seen in the distance and so could the palace that sat atop the volcanic mountain. Everyone stood on the bridge that over looked much of the land before the village, in the center stood Illya and Callisto. Citizens were gathered down below, watching intently. Nikiro and Tobi were knelt in front of Illya who smiled down at them.
"Today we are gathered to recognize the great bravery displayed by these young men who came to our beloved country not to long ago. In our fight against the order of Henaer they fought bravely to protect our people, despite having no relation to us. Their sense of justice and duty is highly commendable."
Callisto stepped forward, first in front of Nikiro.
"Nikiro Hatake, you fought with the Prince's to defend the village against Goddess Henaer's forces. Your valiant efforts have been rewarded with this emblem."
Nikiro stood and Callisto pinned a badge with the Solarian crest on it to his tunic. Nikiro stole a glance at the cluster of people behind Illya. Tekina and Kaito smiled reassuringly at Nikiro and Sin shot him a thumbs up. Nikiro bowed graciously when Callisto was done and watched as Callisto then made his way in front of Tobi.
"Tobi Hinukoe, you did well in assisting the Princess in fending off the creatures of the void. Your decision to stay and protect her despite having no reason to shows a great deal of courage and speaks volumes of your character."
Tobi glanced behind Callisto to see Astrid beaming at him. He shot her a goofy grin before bringing his attention back to Callisto.
"In light of this we would like to reward you with title Sun's Shadow." Callisto put his hands on Tobi and Nikiro's shoulder. "Through dialogue with the Empress and with great consideration, we are proud to welcome you both into the Solarian Court."
Having been briefed on the procedures of the ceremony beforehand, Tobi and Nikiro undid the buttons on their tunics, exposing their chests. They stood proudly as Illya stepped in front of him. With her two fingers she drew the Solarian crest. Each stroke left a trail of shi. With the palm of her hand, she pushed it first onto Tobi's chest and then onto Nikiro's. Both men winced, biting back a hiss of pain as it seared itself into their skin. Placed right over their hearts, it was to forever be a reminder of his joining Illya's court.
Illya retracted her hand, leaning above Tobi's shoulder. "You once questioned how only my servants could enter my chambers despite the protective runes remember? Back when we first met?" She whispered. Illya pointed to the fresh insignia on his chest. "That's how. You have my mark engraved into your shi now. Now you're a part of the family. Don't disappoint. We take our jobs very seriously here." 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ512dI36wbY
She pulled away and placed a hand on his shoulder. "As the Sun's Shadow you will serve as my eyes and ears as a reconnaissance soldier. You were the one who made the decision to join our ranks. For someone so young I'm sure it must have taken a great deal of thought. I'm sure you know that the path you've chosen for your future holds many grueling endeavors. I can't promise you will come out unscathed but I can promise to treat you as though you were my blood and look out for you to the best of my abilities. I swear that there will be many opportunities to create wonderful memories in a land where you can forge your own path through your own power."
Illya stepped back and extended her hand. When she did, Adam stepped out from one of the arch ways with a small rune.
"As proof of my vow, please accept this gift we've prepared for you. It is hand crafted by Ed—"
Adam sent a bone chilling glare in Illya's direction. She laughed nervously and quickly corrected herself.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VOYPPTjxO
"haha...ha...Adam...and I...it's something we've been working on for a while. As a fellow adventurer and innovator, I hope it will serve you well."
Adam lifted the rune and it began to glow. From it a sleek, regal vehicle was formed. It was a motorcycle covered in Kishan markings, shaped like a majestic mechanical horse, clearly something that could also function in battle and not just for joy rides. Tobi stared in awe before he went up to it an examined it, running his hand along the polished surface. He turned and bowed respectfully. Illya then turned her attention to Nikiro.
"As for Nikiro, My son has informed me of your love for books. I myself am quite the book fanatic. I have amassed quite a lot of them over the years. My gift to you is your very own personal library. You can find it here in the palace. Now that you and your family have chosen to stay here, there will be many more adventures in your future. Thus I've made sure to leave some room for whatever books or pieces of knowledge you would like to bring back. You can fill your library with your own accomplishments and findings."
Nikiro's eyes lit up at the mere mention of books. He bowed again and Illya stepped behind them, facing the people below.
"Solarians! Please welcome them to our proud family!"
The crowed below erupted into cheers. Nikiro and Tobi were new to these circumstances but they didn't necessarily hate it. It just took some getting used to. All around cheers and laughter filled the air and not a single frown was to be seen.
•~•~•~•~•~•~•
{One week ago}
Astrid and Tobi were in the little foyer to her chambers. Tobi sat on the ground near the fountain while Astrid jumped and spun around in front of him. "Tobi did you see how great we were! We were like WHOOSH WHOOSH and then you were like BAM PEW PEW PEW and then I was like WAHBAM!"
She gestured frantically as she recalled their little adventure to the underground mines. He laughed as he watched her whimsically flutter around the room. As much as he hated to admit it, he had actually enjoyed his time in the Mad Queen's territory, despite having wanted to assassinate her when they first met. The thought of having to return to Sindaria gnawed at the back of his mind. He continued to watch Astrid when he spotted Illya being wheeled in on a wheelchair by Luke. Astrid's happy go lucky demeanor faded into concern as she approached her mother.
"Mama, how are you feeling?" She asked, kneeling beside Illya.
Illya smiled at her daughter and played with her hair. "I'm fine sea star."
Tobi stood up and shoved his hands into his pockets. "I didn't think someone like you would end up in a wheelchair." He said, referring to her seemingly invincible demeanor.
Illya laughed. "Unlike myself, Henaer's one of the original Gods. She's been around for a looong time. It's only natural she would be more powerful. I only beat her because of how unhinged she had become. It seems that when I absorbed her power some of it was still embedded into my shi even though we had you bring that spring water to purify me. It's nothing serious. I should be a okay in a couple more days. My nerves are just a little stunned at the moment."
Astrid breathed a sigh of relief. Illya continued to fiddle with Astrid's hair for a moment before perking up, as though she remembered something she was supposed to do.
"Ah! That reminds me, Tobi, what do you plan to do now? Don't you have to report back to King Sana?"
Astrid frowned. She knew her new friend had responsibilities elsewhere but it still saddened her knowing they were technically seen as enemies, having their loyalties split between different rulers. Tobi sighed and rubbed the back of his head.
"About that...I—"
"I don't employ brats." Illya cut him off.
It was Tobi's turn to frown as Illya's words shattered any hope he had of remaining in Solaria.
"I believe that's what I told you when we first met. However, my opinion of you has changed. You are more than welcome to stay here if you want, but at a price of course."
Before Tobi could sink into the pits of self loathing, his morale skyrocketed again. "What do you mean?" He questioned.
"The moment you set foot in my castle, you piqued my interest. If you chose, I can offer you a place in my court. As a recon soldier. It gives you a reason to continue adventuring and a job to do. I don't know what you're used to with Sana but I can assure you that over here, we treat each and every one of our people as family. However, working for me means your life will most definitely be put in danger. If you don't have the will power and drive to succeed, you won't survive a day here. Of course this is only if you want to stay."
Tobi was taken aback. He had been offered exactly what he wanted and with people he thought he could finally relate to. He knew there was no way in hell an opportunity as perfect as this would come around again.
"...I...have to...speak with King Sana first...ah! I won't mention anything about coming here to work for you!"
Illya smiled. "So I take that as a yes then? Don't worry, take your time we're in no rush. I'm sure King Sana has heard of what happened with Henaer by now. He's got rats everywhere. We'll be awaiting your return. Have a safe trip!"
Illya waved goodbye and Astrid and Luke wheeled her out.
•~•~•~•~•~•~•
A day had past since his conversation with Illya. He had made it safely to Sindaria and was now on his way to an audience with the King. The King's right hand, Jahan, escorted Tobi to the King's study. The door creaked open to reveal King Sana's dignified figure at his desk.
"Tobi! Welcome back. Your mission was successful then?"
Tobi bowed out of courtesy. The slightest waver in his voice could tip King Sana off to his plans, but something told him that he already knew of the circumstances.
"Well..."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4NBJmBqRk
